POWERTRAINS AT THE CROSSROADS

Since the Arab oil embargo of October 1973, U.S. automakers, needled by government mileage standards and the public's demand for better fuel economy, have spent billions to develop lightweight cars and pint-size new powertrains, and the results have been dramatic: American cars average fuel economy has jumped 71% between 1977 and 1982. With the price of gasoline dropping back consumers are now interested also in engine performance. Once again, U.S. automakers will have to move quickly to keep abreast of the public's changing expectations as foreign importers are now promoting performance. This article review's Detroit's plans for the future and compares them to those of foreign automakers. The article includes a table on corporate average fuel economy (1977-1982) of U.S., Japanese and European Manufacturers.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2244862
• Corporate Authors:

  Ward's Communications Incorporated

  28 West Adams Street
  Detroit, MI  United States  48226
• Authors:
  • Waddell, R L
• Publication Date: 1982-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 24-26
• Serial:
  • Ward's Auto World
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Ward's Communications
  • ISSN: 0043-0315
  • Serial URL: http://wardsauto.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile industry; Competition; Engine displacement; Engine operation; Foreign automobiles; Fuel consumption; Performance; Power trains
• Old TRIS Terms: Foreign vehicles
• Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367292
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-033 064
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1982 12:00AM